Electric signaling and electropneumatic train-controll system.



PATENTBD NOV. 28, 1905.

J. A. WHITE. ELECTRIC SIGNALING AND ELEGTROPNEUMATIO TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEM.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 2. 1904.

To a, whom it may concern:

Be 'it known that I, JOHN ALEXANDER, WHYTE, electrician, a subject of the King of umrnn srArs PArnN'r orrrcn.

.JOHN ALEXANDER WHYTE, OF TORONTO, CANADA.

ELECTRIC SIGNALING AND ELECTRQPNEUMATlC TRAIN-CONTROL SYSTEM.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Nov. 28, 1905.

Application filed $eptember 2, 1904. Serial No. 223,160.

Great Britain, residing in the city of Toronto,

in the county of York, in the Province of Ontario, Canada, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Electric Signal-; ing' and Electropneumatic Train-Control Sys-' toms, of which the following is a specification. My invention relates to improvements in electric-signallng and electropneumatic train,-

control systems of the normal clear class; and

one object of my invention is to notify the engineer or motorman by electrically-operated means within his cab when a rail or -the wiring,

in his block has been broken, when a switch'is open therein, or when a current-conducting A obstruction or train is within his block.

blocks overlap each other.

Another object of my invention is to equip with my blocks a single railroad-track over which traflic moves back and forth, so that all accidents may be averted thereon.

Incarrying out my invention I combine it with the block and apparatus described and claimed in my application, Serial No. 196,7 76, filed March 5, 1904.

The invention consists, essentially, individing the track into a series of, for example, east-bound blocks, each block comprising a first third rail divided into insulated sections, in dividing the first track-rail into insulated sections, in utilizing the second track-rail as a common conductor for all the blocks, 1n-

suitablywiring the proper insulated sections ofthe first third rail and said first track-rail to each other and to said second track-rail, in completing the circuitby means of the train, in dividing the track into a series of, for example, west-bound blocks comprising a second third. rail divided into insulated sections, in providing line-wires connecting each insulated section of said second third rail to the immediately-preceding insulated section of said first track-rail and completing the circuit by means of the train, in providing electrically-operated means within the engineers cabs whereby they will be notified of theconmore particularly explained.

As will be seen from the drawings, the These drawings illustrate a single track, and the trains are supposed to move, for example, eastward and westward over same. i The current is always flowing through the apparatus in the engi-v neers cab and the block in circuit with same when the said apparatus and the blocks are in'working order. The blocks are preferably a mile in length, made'up of sections of half a mile, the current always flowing through the block in advance of the trains. The cab is the source of electrical energy.

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view of my track divided into the blocks, showing east-bound andwest-bound trains approaching each other or stationary. Fig. 2is a view similar to Fig. 1, the position of the east-bound train being changed. Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic view showing my blocks for the west-bound train.

In the drawings like. characters of reference indicate corresponding parts in each figure.

The trackis divided into a series of blocks of any desired length.' The first track-rail A I is divided into a series of' insulated sections, while the'second track-rail D is not divided into sections and is used' as a common path for the return-current of the several blocks. Preferably (though not essentially) situated within the'rails A and D is the first third rail E, which is'divided into insulated sections, preferably of the same length as the insulated sections of the first track-rail A. A single eastbound blook'consists of one of the sections E of the first third rail, one of the immediately preceding sectionsA of the first track-rail,

the wiring B connecting the section E to the section A the wiring C connecting the section A with the second track-rail D, and the portion of the second track-rail D from the point where the wiring C connects therewith back to the train. 1 l

A represents insulating-points for the sections of the first track-rail A, andE represents insulating-points for the sections .of the first third rail E. 1 preferably use a resist ance-coil J in the wiring of each block, but may dispense with same.

K is the east-bound train or engineers cab, and K the west-bound train or engineers'cab. These cabs are suitably provided with any suitable conducting-shoes L and M and L and M,respectively, which respectively operate on the first third' rail E and second third rail E The said-cabs are each provided with a source of electrical energy 0, an ordinary signal-magnet 0, an electrical apparatus P, and an electrom'agnet'Q, both operatedby an excess of current flowing through the circuit, the feed-wire R and return-wire Rflputtin'g'in circuit said sources of electrical energy and devices in the cabs with their blocks through the said conducting-shoes, the current returning from said second track-rail D through the axle of the cabs back to sources of electrical energy. The second third rail E is divided into a series of insulated sections E of same length as the sections A and by means of the line-wire E said insulated sections E are wired to the extreme end of the immediately preceding insulated sections A By means of the wiring C common to both blocks the current passes from said insulated sections A into the second track-rail D and thence back to the cab K. The block for the cab K will be easily seen by following out the arrows without tails, Fig. 1, and the block of the cab K will be seen by following out the arrows without tails in Fig. 3.

E represents the insulating-points for the second third rail E The insulated sections E, .together with their corresponding length I of second track-rail D adjacent thereto, constitute the home portion of the block for the train K, and the insulated sections A of the first track-rail A, together with their corresponding length of'second track-rail Dwired thereto, constitute the distantportion of the block for the said train. The insulated sections A together with the line-wiring E constitute the distant portion of the westbound block for the train K, and the insulated sections E, together with their corresponding length of second track-rail D adjacent thereto, constitute the home portion of the west-bound block for the said train. In all cases the shoes M and M enter the block first, and, as shown, the shoes L and L preferably enter therein simultaneously with-the cabs. If desired, the shoes L and L may enter the block before the train or locomotive.

As shown in Fig. 1, the locomotives K and K are about a mile and a half apart. In case one of the sections A should be brokensay at Ethe current from the cab K will naturally follow the line-wire Win the direction indicated by arrows with tails, and by following out the arrows with crossed tails in Fig. 1 it will be seen that the current from the cab K will flow through the line-wire E to meet the current from the cab K. As these currents will be of the same kind and strength it will be understood that they will neutralize will act accordingly.

each other, thus through the ordinary signalmagnets 0 indicating to the engineers in both cabs that there is an open circuit, and they 7 Should the cabs be in the position indicated in Fig. 2, by following out the path of the current as shown by arrows it will be seen that the; circuit is short-circuited, thus putting the sources of electrical energy 0 in series and causing either of the apparatus P and Q in 1 both cabs to notify the engineers of the condition oftheir blocks.

From the above description of the'operation it will be understood that the trains can- I not approach each other nor can the circuits be open when the trains are a mile and a half or less distant from each other, or according to the length of the block-sections, without the engineers being warned. Should either of the cabs be in such position that their live blocks do not overlap each other, it will be understood that the said blocks will operate independently, and the apparatus in the two cabs will indicate the condition of same.

Referring to Fig. 3, I show the wiring for the West-bound block (shown in Figs. 1 and 2) applied to a single track, and the path of the circuitwill be seen therefrom. Under all circumstances, with no defect in the tracks, the device 0 will be subject to normal current and will give a safety signal. With the rails broken or equivalent defect, 0 will act as a defect-magnet, while when the train K short-circuits the adjacent block the apparatus P and Q from both trains are influenced by excessive current to give the proper indication.

If desired, I may use electropneumatic means described in my before-mentioned application in connection with the herein-described invention. i

I show the apparatus P and Q, but need not necessarily use both together. However, I prefer to have the same on the same circuit, so that in case one should get out of order the other one will be sure to operate. A

The shoes shown will of course be wide enough apart in actual practice to bridge all dead-centers caused by crossed tracks or switch-centers, so that the train will always be in communication with its block.v It will of course be understood that if there were no switches or track it would not be necessary for me to use two shoes. I have not described nor shown any switches in connection with my blocks herein described, nor have I shown the stations wired thereto, because these points are not necessary in order to a complete understanding of my present invention, besides theyhave been fully described in my beforementioned application.

In Figs. 1 and 2 I showadoubleset ofshoes L L L and L which operate, respectively, on the second third rail E and the first third rail E. These shoes are for the purpose of putting the trains in communication with their blocks when they may happen to move backward. When the train is to move backward, the engineer will move the switch 0 so as to direct current into the wiring O which leads to said shoes. When the train is moving forward,the switch 0 occupies the position shown in Figs. 1 and 2. In case the train K should move backward it will be understood that the current will flow through the east-bound block, as fully shown in Fig. 1 in connection with the cab K, and should the cab K move backward the current will flow through the westbound blocli, as fully shown in Fig. i in connection with the cab K.

combination with the east-boundblockcomprising oneinsulated section of a conductor which is divided into a series of insulated sections; an insulated section, of the first track-v rail which is divided into a series of insulated sections; a second track-rail usedas'a'comw mon conductor for all the blocks; suitable wiring for connecting said insulated section of the said conductor to the'immediately preced-.

ing insulated section of saidfirst track-rail,

and suitable wiring for. connecting the said.- immediately preceding section of said first track-rail tothesaid second'track-rail, of a west-bound block comprising one insulated section of a second conductor which is divided into a series of insulated sections, and a linewiring connecting one end of said insulated section of said second conductor to the extreme end of the immediately preceding insulate'd section of said second track-rail.

sections; a second track-rail used as a common conductor for allthe blocks; suitable wiring for connecting's'aid insulated section-of the said conductor to the immediately preced ing insulated section of said first track-rail;f suitable wiringfor connecting the said immew diatelypreceding section of said first track- 'rail to said second track-rail, and a resistance coil lnthe wlrmg for said block, of a westbound block comprising one insulated section of a second conductor which is divided into a,

series of insulated sections, and a line-wiring connecting one end of said insulated section. of said second conductor to the extreme end of the immediately preceding insulated section of saidsecond track-rail. Q

3. In a'system of the class described, the

combination with the east-bound block comprising one insulated section of a conductor which is divided into aseries of insulated sections; an insulated section, of the first trackrail which is divided into a series of insulated sections,- a second track-rail used as a common conductor for all the blocks; suitable wiring for connecting said insulated section of the said conductor to theim-mediately preceding insulated section of said first track-- rail; suitable wiring for connecting the immediately preceding section of said first trackrail to the said second track-rail; a source of electrical energy placed in the first cab; electrically-operated signalingmeans in said first "cab in circuit therewith and with said block for the purpose of indicating to the engineer when the circuit is open, and means'for completing the circuit between said block and source of electrical energy, of a west-bound block comprising one insulated section'of a second conductor which is divided into a series of Insulated sections; line-wlrlng connecting one end of said insulated section of said second conductor to the extreme end of the immediately preceding insulated section of said second track-rail; a source of electrical energy placed in the second cab; electricallyoperated signaling means in said second cab and in circuit therewith and with said block for the purpose of indicating to the engineer when the circuit is open,- and means for completing the circuit between said block and 'said second source of electrical energy.

' i. In a system of the class described, the combination with the east-bound block comprising one insulated section of a conductor which is divided into a series of insulated sections; an insulated section, of the first track rail which ,is divided intoa series of insulated sections; a second track-rail used as a-common conductor for all the blocks; suitable wiring for connecting said insulated section of the said conductor tojthe immediately preceding insulated section ofsaid first trackrail; suitable wiring for connecting the immediately preceding section of-said first track'- rail to'thesaid second track-rail, a resistancecoil-in the wiring for said block; a sourceof electrical energy placed in the first cab; electrically-operated signaling means in saidfirst cab in circuit therewith andwith said block for the purpose of indicating to the engineer when thecircuit is open, and means forcompleting the circuit between said-block and source of electrical energy, of a west-bound block comprising one insulated section of a second conductor which is divided into a series of insulated sections; line-wiring con necting one end of said insulated section of said second conductor to the extreme end of of said second track-railga source of electrical energy placed in the second cab; electrically-operated signaling means in said second cab and incircuit therewith and with said block for the purpose of indicating to the engineer when the circuit is open, and means for completing the circuit between said block which is divided into-a series of insulated sec-Q7 I30 tions; an insulated section, of the first trackrail which is divided into a series of insulated sections; a second track-rail used as a common conductor for all the blocks; suitable wiring for connecting said insulated section of the said conductor to the immediately preceding insulated section of said first track-rail; suitable wiring for connecting the immediately preceding section of said first track-rail to the said second track-rail; a source of electrical energy placed in the first cab; electricallyoperated signaling means in said first cab in circuit therewith and with said block for the purpose of indicating to the engineer when the circuit has been short-circuited, and means for completing the circuit between said block and said source of electrical energy, of a westbound block comprising one insulated section of a second conductor which is divided intoa series of insulated sections; line-wiring connecting one end of said insulated section of said second conductor to the extreme end of the immediately preceding insulated section of said second track-rail; asource of electrical energy placed in the second cab; electricallyoperated signaling means in said second cab and in circuit therewith and with said block for the purpose of indicating to the engineer when the circuit has been short-circuited, and means for completing the circuit between said block and said second source of electrical energy.

6. In a system of the class described, the combination with the east-bound block comprising one insulated section of a conductor which is divided into a series of insulated sections; an insulated section, of the first trackrail which is divided into a series of insulated sections; a second track-rail used asa common conductor for all the blocks; suitable wiring for connecting said insulated section of the said conductor to the immediately preceding insulated section of said first track-rail; suitable wiring for connecting the immediately preceding section of said first track-rail to the said second track-rail; a resistance-coil in the wiring for said block; a source of electrical energy placed in the first cab; electricallyoperated signaling means in said first cab in circuit therewith and with said block for the purpose of indicating to the engineer when the circuit has been short-circuited, and means for completing the circuit between said block and said source of electrical energy, of a westbound block comprising one insulated section of a second conductor which is divided into a series ofinsulated sections; line-wiring connecting one end of said insulated section of said second conductor to the extreme end of the immediately preceding insulated section of said second track-rail; a source of electrical energy placed in the second cab; electricallyoperated signaling means in said second cab and in circuit therewith and with said block for the purpose of indicating to the engineer when the circuit has been short-circuited, and

st tes means for completing the circuit between said block and said second source of electrical energy.

7. In a system of the class described, the combination with the east-bound block comprising one insulated section of a conductor which is divided into a series of insulated sections; an insulated section, of the first trackrail which is divided into a series of insulated sections; a second track-rail used as a common conductor for all the blocks; suitable wiring for connecting said insulated section of the said conductor to the immediately preceding insulated section of said first track-rail; suitable wiring for connecting-the immediately preceding section of said first track-rail to the said second track-rail; a source of electrical energy placed in the first cab; electricallyoperated signaling means operated when the circuit is open; electrically-operated signaling means operated when the circuit has been short-circuited, both placed in said first cab, and on same circuit with said source of electrical energy, and means for completing the circuit between said block and said source of electrical energy, of a west-bound block comprising one insulated section of a second conductor which is divided into a series of insulated sections; line-wiring connecting one end of said insulated section of said second conductor to the extreme end of the immediately preceding insulated section of said second track-rail; a source of electrical energy placed in the second cab; electrically-operatcd signaling means operated when the circuitis open and electrically-operated signaling means operated when the circuit has been short-circuited, both placed in the said second cab and on same circuit with said source of electrical energy and with said bloclnand means for completing the circuit between said block and said second source of electrical energy.

8. In a system of the class described, the combination with the east-bound block comprising one insulated section of a conductor which is divided into a series of insulated sec tions; an insulated section, of the first trackrail which is divided into a series of insulated sections; a second track-rail used as a common conductor for all the blocks; suitable wiring for connecting said insulated section of the said conductor to the immediately preceding insulated section of said first trackrail; suitable wiring for connecting the immediately preceding section of said first track-rail to the said second track-rail; a resistance-coil in the wiring for said block; a source of electrical energy placed in the first cab; electrically-operated signaling means operated when the circuit is open, and electricall y-operated signaling means operated when the circuit has been short circuited, both placed in said first cab, and on same circuit with said source of electrical energy, and means for completing the circuit between said block and said source of electrical energy, of-

of the immediately preceding insulated section of said second track-rail; a source of electrical energyplaced in the second cab; electricallyoperated signaling means operated when the circuit is open and electrically-operated signaling means operated when the circuit has been short-circuited, both placed in the said second cab and on same circuit with said source of electrical energy and with said block, and means for completing the circuit between said block and said second source of electrical energy.

9. In a system of the class described, a block comprising one. insulated section of a conductor which is divided into a series of insulated sections; an insulated section, of the first trackrail which is divided into'a series of insulated sections; a second track-rail used as a common conductor for all the blocks; line-wiring connecting one end of said section of said conductor with the extreme end of the immediately preceding insulated section of said first track-rail, and suitable wiring for connecting the other end of said immediately preceding insulated section of said first track-rail to the second track-rail,

10. In a system of the class described, a block comprising one insulated section of a conductor which is divided into a series of insulated sections; an insulated section, of the first track-rail which is divided into a series of insulated sections; a second track-rail used as a common conductor for all the blocks;

line-wiring connecting one end of said section of said conductor with the extreme end of the immediately preceding insulated section of said first track-rail; suitable wiring for connecting the other end of said immediately preceding insulated section of said first track-rail to the second track-rail, and a resistance-coil in the wiring for said block. 5

11. In a system of the class described, the

wiring for connecting the other end of said immediately preceding insulated section of said first track-rail to the second track-rail, of a source of electrical energy placed in the cab; electrically-operated signaling means in said cab in circuit therewith and with said block for the purpose of indicating to the en- 'the said source of electrical energy.

gineer when the circuit isopen, and means for completlng the circuit between said block and 12. In a system of the class described, the combination with a block comprising one in- 7 sulated section of a conductor which is divided into a seriesof insulated sections; an insulated section, of a first track-rail which is divided into a series of insulated sections; a second track-rail usedasacommon conductor for 75 all the blocks; line-wiring connecting one end of said section of said conductor with the extreme end of the immediately preceding insur lated section of said first track-rail; suitable wiring for connecting the other end of said 30 immediately preceding insulated section of said first track-rail to the second track-rail, and a resistance-coil in the wiring for said block, of a source of electrical energy placed in the cab; electrically-operated signaling means in 5 said cab in circuit therewith and with said block for the purpose of indicating to the engineer when the circuit is open, and means for completing the circuit between said block and the said source of electrical energy. 9

. 13. In a system of the class described, the combination with a block comprising one insulated section of aconductor which is divided into a series of insulated sections; an insulated section of the first track-rail which is di-- 95 vided intoa series of insulated sections; a second track-rail used as a common conductor for all the blocks; line-wiring connecting one end of said section of said conductor with the extreme end of the immediately preceding insu- I lated sectionof said first track-rail, and suitable wiring for connecting the other end of said immediately preceding insulated section of said first track-rail to the second track-rail, of a source of electrical energy placed in the 1 5 .cab; electrically-operated signaling means operated when the circuit is open; electricallyoperated signaling means operated when the circuit has been short-circuited, both placed in the cab and on same circuit with said source I IQ of electrical energy, and means for completing the circuit between said block and said source of electrical energy. I

1a. In a system of the class described, the combination with a block comprising one in- 15 sulated section of a conductor which is divided into a series of insulated sections; an insulated section of the first track-rail which is divided into a series of insulated sections; asecond track-rail used as a common conductor for I 20 all the blocks; line-wiring connecting one end of said section of said conductor with the extreme end of the immediately preceding insulated section of said first track-rail to the secsignaling means operated when the circuit is In testimony whereofI haVe signed my name open; electrically-operated signahng means to thls speclfication 1n the presence of two suboperated when the circuit has been short-cirscrlbing Witnesses.

-, cuited, both placed in the cab and on same cir- JOHN ALEXANDER VVHYTE. 5 cuit with said source of electrical energy, and Witnesses: means for completing the circuit between said EGERTON R. (JAsn,

block and said source of electrical energy. WILMOT R. BLACKHALL. 

